Music

The music classes use a developmentally appropriate music curriculum that celebrates the importance of music, introduces music’s basic “language”, and nurtures those rhythmic, pattern loving musical seeds that are so naturally planted in a child’s brain. Music stimulates learning, lowers stress, and advances memory, attention, and brain development.

There is a new theme each month. Students use tapping, clacking and rhythm instruments that ring, such as rhythm sticks, one-bell jingles, egg shakers, drums and set it to music in order to improve hand-eye coordination and to strengthen fine motor skills. Storytime is also incorporated into the music classes. Stories during story time are carefully crafted to support the musical concepts that are highlighted in the lessons, while also encouraging the development of early literacy and other skills such as listening, sequencing, empathy, and anticipation. Students gather in a group to sing and play which is a positive way to lower inhibitions, build self-esteem, and foster a sense of belonging. Group learning also helps children develop social skills such as taking turns and cooperation. The curriculum encourages focused listening with music to improve skills in following directions. Music is combined with movement and that creates new learning pathways in the brain.